Manchester City target distances himself from speculation

Manchester City target Thiago Silva has distanced himself from speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League, according to talkSPORT.

City were interested in signing the Brazilian centre back last summer, and were continuing to monitor his situation in the French capital, despite him penning a new deal to keep him at the club until 2018.

But Silva has dealt City a blow, by insisting he wants to return to Italy once he has finished at Paris St Germain.

The defender claimed back in July 2012 – after signing for PSG from AC Milan in a deal worth more than £35million – that he was saddened to leave Italy, and revealed at the Ballon d’Or ceremony that he hopes to return one day.

“I miss Italian football because I watched the league from my childhood,” he said.

“I now play in a different and more physical league but I am still happy, however I hope to return to Italy and play in Serie A again.”

Manuel Pellegrini is still in the market for a new centre back, having been unconvinced by Matija Nastasic, Martin Demichelis and Joleon Lescott this season.

Lescott is expected to leave the Etihad this month, with West Ham reportedly showing an interest in the England defender.